Campaign for school caretaker after rooftop drama

Cardinal Newman School roof

Connie Primmer

The caretaker of Cardinal Newman High School had to be talked down from the school roof by police during a three hour stand-off on Monday morning.

Mitch Eastwick, 55, who is the premises manager at the Catholic school, said he was having problems in the workplace and wanted to highlight his despair.

A member of staff at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Luton spent approx 3 hours up on the schools roof today.

Police were called to the school in Warden Hill Road, Luton, at 7.39am to negotiate with him and by about 10.30am he was safely back on the ground and taken to hospital for a check-up.

His wife Rebecca Eastwick told Luton Today: “Mitch is a very strong man. I am 100 per cent behind him and have seen the ongoing effect this has had on him.”

Mitch’s family have started an online petition called ‘Mitch against bullying’ which at the time of going to press had 546 signatures.

Students and parents have flooded social media with support for Mitch.

A member of staff at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Luton spent approx 3 hours up on the schools roof today.

Rebecca said: “I think it is quite telling when you read the comments on the petition that by and large Mitch was loved and respected...lots of mentions of going the extra mile and helping people out.”

One student said Mitch is “the nicest guy ever, always friendly and fun and happy” and another described him as a “lovely man who was nice to everyone” and “always put a smile on your face”.

Mitch is still employed by the school and manages the site team and cleaning team.

Headteacher Jane Crow said no one was hurt and no students were involved in the incident.

Mitch’s daughter said the online petition is “to highlight the devastating consequences of bullying in the workplace”.

She said: “I do not wish for anyone to think badly of CNS. I know via my dad that there are some fantastic teachers and staff there. I also know I have been supporting my father for the last three years and spent three hours negotiating him off the roof today.

“He’s the strongest man I know. This is not a witch hunt but a petition against bullying in the work place – any work place.”

She also said Mitch had no mental health issues or history of depression.

A school spokesperson said: “It is not our policy to comment on individual members of staff.

“However if any allegations are made against pupils or staff it would be investigated.”